diglossia

n. the situation in which two varieties of a language coexist and have distinct social functions within a community; these are usually characterized by high (H) and low (L) uses, H being associated with formality and literacy, and L with everyday colloquial usage. See also code switching; multilingualism; vernacular. [first described in 1959 by U.S. linguist Charles Ferguson (1921–1998)]

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Psychology term of the day

January 3rd 2025

ring chromosome 18

a congenital chromosomal disorder characterized by microcephaly, ear and eye abnormalities, and mild to severe cognitive impairment. The condition is not hereditary but due to breakage of the arms of chromosome 18, which fuse to form one or more rings of varying sizes.